A/N: I can't believe how stupid I am, ugh. Why didn't I realize this sooner? HeartlessVampireGirl. Author to Irreversible. I can't believe it's you! I loved that story so much. I can't believe you're reading this story. You were the reason I decided to write my first fanfiction about Howl's Moving castle. Thank you for reading this. Thank you, LeafeonLover for reviewing each of my chapters ever since I came back. Thank you Sarcha for staying with this book from the very beginning. And thank you to all the people who reviewed, followed, favorite and read this story. Now onto the chapter! I also edited the prologue and added more details on it so if you want to read it again or not is up to you!

Disclaimer: I only own my characters.

Chapter 9

"What is it you want?" A voice asked. He studied the woman in front of him. In front of her was a young woman with raven hair and eyes the color of mud. The dress she wore was a dull simple dress. She was a child of a baker, perhaps.

"You're the hunter, right? You're Isaac." The young woman asked as she stared at the man. His face was covered by his hood and two young girls stood at both his side. "The one that kills witches and wizards?"

"Only the rogue ones." He answered. "Is that why you're here?"

"Yes. Well, I want you to…" She bit her tongue, a feeling of regret but she already came this far. "I want you to kill a child."

"A child?" Isaac repeated, already interested in the offer. "What is wrong with the child?"

The woman's eyes filled with bitterness. "It's a monster that my sister gave birth to when she fell in love with a wizard. The child terrorizes my village, set houses to flames. I tried to reason with my sister but the child already put her in a spell."

"It sounds tempting but what will you give me in return?" Isaac asks. It sounded like an exciting offer but would've been bland if he didn't get anything out of it.

The woman nodded and pulled something from out of her pouch. The golden chain dangled from her hand with an emerald. "This is the pendant of the wizard. He is long dead after being burned on a stake as punishment. The village head would've killed my sister but my sister hid herself and the child somewhere. Though the child was no longer in the village, it still ruined our peaceful life."

The man took it and already felt a surge of magic from the jewel. This is sufficient enough.

"Let me ask you. Are you really sure you want your sister's own child to die?" Isaac asked.

The woman hesitated as her thoughts started to conflict against each other. But her eyes soon fogged up. "Yes. I want you to sent that demon back where it came from." She answered.

"Excellent. What is your name?"

"Agatha."

Agatha winced in pain and pulled up her sleeve. She watched as a tattoo of fire etched itself into her skin.

"That is our contract. If you try to stop me from my mission or you suddenly changed your mind. Well…" Silver eyes appeared from the hood and stared Agatha down. "We wouldn't want that to happen."

Agatha felt her hair stood up from the threat. "Now give me something that you have from this demon child." Isaac ordered. Agatha pulled a blanket and gave it to him.

He took a whiff from the blanket and red flashed through his eyes. He held it out for his two partners to smell. His partners gave an ecstatic smile.

"Claire, Blaire, you know what to do." Isaac ordered. The twins nodded and disappeared in sight, leaving behind childlike giggles in the quiet night.

I widened my eyes as I recognized the two people from the memory/dream. They were the same people I met days ago. I looked around to see the memory had ended and dissipated into darkness. I heard a loud scream and quickly rushed to the sound. I ran to find Akari on her knees and clutching onto her head.

"Clara! Clara!" Akari seemed to call out in fright. I shook her shoulders trying to make her snap out of it. She looked at me, her eyes frenzied. Her red hair was messed up from the panic attack.

"Akari, it was just a memory." I reasoned.

"I remember." She said, her eyes in disbelief. I froze.

"What did you remember?" I asked and felt excited about her sudden recollection. I pulled her up to stand.

"Clara…" Akari swallowed, "She was my friend but everyone in the village hated her. Hated her child. Even her own sister felt the same way. All because she fell in love with a wizard who loved her. When I heard that the townspeople killed him, I helped her and the baby to hide. Away from the village and the people but the magic still managed to attack the village. I tried to help in anyway I can to help find a way to control the baby's magical surges. Maybe that's why I'm stuck here. I was found out by the village and was punished for all I did."

I felt my heart drop for Akari. She did what she thought was right only to be punished by it.

"That dream…" Akari sounded like she wanted to vomit, "I wasn't there. That was Clara's sister." She gave a strangled gasp. "No…! Rose! That man is going to kill the baby! Maybe even Clara!"

"Akari…" I comforted.

"We have to save them!" Akari yelled.

"Akari! We don't know what happened?" I reasoned. "You were in that candle for who knows how long! They're probably already–"

"Don't say that!" I jumped in surprise at her harsh voice.

"But you don't even know where they are." I argued.

"No! I know she's somewhere. She has to be. I can feel it." Akari looked at me with tears in her eyes. "You'll help me, right?"

I opened my mouth to speak but she held onto my hand. "You're the only one I have left. I want to find them. Whether they're dead or not. I need your help." She begged.

I sighed, not wanting to hurt her feelings. I held her shoulder. "Akari, we don't even know where to start. Your memories are still not even anywhere near complete. Maybe there's something else that happened afterwards that you didn't even remember." I reasoned.

"You… don't believe me?" Her voice cracked. I soon realized she interpreted my words differently.

"That's not what I–"

My heart broke when Akari just stared at me as if she didn't know me. Her sky blue eyes turn bright red. She backed away from my grasp. "Maybe it would've been better if you didn't have the candle at all. Maybe it would've been better if I never met you." She spat the words out like knives that dug in to me.

I reached out to her but she disappeared into the darkness.

I jolted awake from my mattress. 'Akari? Akari!' I desperately called out. Even when she was quiet, I could still feel her in my mind. But now she was… gone. She hid herself. I felt my eyes tear up when I realized she wanted nothing to do with me.

I turned to see Calcifer and Sophie talk about Howl. Not wanting to talk about another person who gave me a headache, I decided to go outside. I stood up and slowly walked to the door. I tensed up when Sophie called out to me.

"Rose, where are you going?" Sophie asked. I stood where I was, cause' I knew that if I turned around, Sophie and Calcifer will see the tears rolling down my face.

"I just need some fresh air." I said. I opened the door and walked out. I closed it shut and started to furiously wipe away the tears. There were so many problems.

First Suliman. Then Howl. And now Akari. I sat slumped on the stairs thinking about these three people. I looked forward and smiled at a certain scarecrow. Turnip head was idly standing next to the tree but as soon as he noticed me, he hopped over.

"Hello, Turnip head." I greeted when he stood in front of me. It was obvious he knew I was crying as he hopped, this time a little gently. I laughed slightly.

"You always seem to be around whenever someone's troubled." I complimented.

He gave a twirl as if to say, "Of course."

"It's just I made a friend angry." I said. Turnip head gave no movement, not knowing whom I was talking about.

"Oh right…" I said stupidly, before explaining it to the cursed prince. "In the end, when I was supposed to help her, I ended up making her look like a complete fool."

I looked up at Turnip head, "Does that make sense to you?"

He gave a twirl, to show he understood. I groaned in disappointment of myself. "Everything's messed up now." I complained.

I smiled at him, feeling at least some of the weight in my chest is gone. "Thank you Turnip head. Even though you didn't say anything because of." I grimaced at his cursed form, "Obvious reasons. At least you listened to me rant."

Turnip Head twirled. I stood up. "I'm just going to take a walk." I smiled at him, "I think Sophie will come out soon."

At the mention of Sophie, Turnip Head hopped up and down excitedly. I laughed and waved at him. I have to say sorry to Akari but when she wants to talk to me. For now, I have to give her some space. As I walked, I made a mistake to look up.

A window caught my eyes, steam coming out of it, already knowing who was using the bathroom. Howl.

I shook my head slightly and closed my eyes tightly. I opened my eyes and walked further away from the castle. I soon looked back, the castle far enough for my emotions but near enough that I could still see it. I sighed but it soon led to me screaming at the top of my lungs. Maybe the talk with Turnip Head wasn't enough.

"Akari!" I screamed loudly. "I am sorry for what I said but what do you want me to do!"

"And Howl, you cowardly playboy! Why aren't you in love with Sophie? Why are you making this more difficult for me?"

I slid down to my knees. "What did I do wrong?" I muttered.

"My… Someone's in a bad mood."

I looked up quickly at the familiar voice. I squinted my eyes to see two figures. The twins.

"What are you doing here?" I quickly stood up and glared at the twins who waved at me as if I was their best friend.

"Hello Rose!" Claire greeted me. Just one look from her blue eyes, already informed me that they wanted something.

"Dear sister, it looks like she already knows who we are." Blaire said with smirk. I widened my eyes when I saw my lost necklace hung around her neck. I was pretty sure I didn't have it when I first spoke to them. The person who took it must have given it to them.

"Oh no." Claire gave a fake gasp, "I hope the little redhead didn't say anything bad about us."

"Yes, we're just innocent children that takes care of their sick big sister." Blaire pretended to beg.

They both looked at each other and started to cackle. "You really do work for Isaac." I said, "What else do you want now!"

"Oh little Rose, you really are so stupid for someone who knows so much." Claire said as she walked forward. She soon disappeared in a blink of an eye. I felt arms hook across my shoulder, pinning me in place. I could hear Claire chuckling as I struggled in her grasp. She was shorter than me but was stronger than she looks.

Blaire walked in front of me. "What we want…" She poked my forehead. "Is in your head. Isn't that right, Redhead?"

Her red eyes turned pitch black as she muttered a chant. I felt a searing pain as I realized she was trying to rip Akari out of my head.

"Rose!" Akari yelled, more frightened than she ever was. I stared at Blaire, her Cheshire grin growing wider.

"You're not getting anywhere near her!" I yelled. A burst of magic came from me pushing the twins away.

I backed away as Claire slowly stood up. When I first saw her, she was angelic but now she was nowhere near that. She glared her icy blue eyes at me in anger. In her hand already forming a sphere of magic. She soon stopped when she heard Blaire groan in pain. I turned to see Blaire; her hand clutched her face as smoke sizzled from her flesh. Did I burn her?

"Sister!" Claire called out and ran to her. She inspected the burn with worry before glaring at me.

"You'll pay for that soon." She snarled. They soon disappeared.

"Akari?" I called out.

"Rose…" She swallowed, "Thank you."

I smiled when she finally spoke even if it's only for this moment. "No problem." She became quiet yet I could feel her inside my head.

I looked back at the castle. "It really is much more safer in the castle." I decided.

First Suliman is hunting us down, now a hunter that kills witches and wizards for a living is hunting us. To be more specific, Akari and I. If he wanted Akari that means, he still hasn't found Clara. I soon felt guilty that I didn't believe Akari at firt. I walked back to the castle and to safety.

The sun was finally out and the skies were clear, meaning everyone was awake. I decided to help Sophie along with Turnip Head, Markl and Heen to get the plane out of the castle.

"'Kay, ready!" Markl yelled from outside.

"Alright! Calcifer open it wider." Sophie ordered.

"Here we go!"

"Move!" I yelled as Sophie and I pushed it as hard as we can as Markl, Turnip Head and Heen used a rope to pull it out. After a while Sophie got frustrated and kicked the plane. This caused the engine turn on and the plane flew out the plane.

"Get out of the way!" I warned as the plane headed straight for everyone outside. I could hear Markl scream as he ran alongside Turnip Head and Heen. Once the plane finally broke down, Markl laughed while Heen and Turnip Head hopped behind him.

"If I just hang a little curtain here, maybe Howl won't notice." Sophie said as she swept out the debris.

"He'll definitely notice." I replied with a laugh.

"Come on in, it's time to eat!" Sophie called out. Markl and Heen quickly rushed in with Turnip Head hopping after them.

As Sophie prepared the oatmeal, I helped the Witch of the Waste walk to the dining table.

"What a nice flower." She complimented me as I tied a cloth around her neck. I gave an awkward smile to her as Sophie placed plates of porridge on the table. Markl hopped onto his chair.

"Let's eat!" He exclaimed as I sat next to him. Heen had his own chair and ate his porridge. The porridge stuck to his fur as he ate. Turnip Head just stood next to the huge hole like a watchful guardian.

I glanced at Calcifer who stared straight at the Witch who also stared at him, blankly as she chewed her food. He glanced at Sophie who was a bit too close to the Witch for his liking. He glared at the Witch as if he was waiting for her to stab Sophie with the spoon.

"Here, want some more?" Sophie asked. The Witch broke her gaze to turn and eat.

"Don't feed her! That's the Witch of the Waste!" Calcifer whispered.

"Oh, she's alright."

"She keeps staring at me. It's freaking me out." He hissed.

The Witch turned to look at him. "What a pretty fire." She complimented. Calcifer hid into the ashes, which made me laugh. Footsteps were heard rushing down the stairs as Howl appeared with a big smile. He didn't wear a jacket and the white shirt he wore had shorter sleeves than usual.

"Howl, hello." Sophie greeted. I smiled slightly at her.

"Good morning, everyone." He smiled at me as I stared blankly. Just be subtle, Rose. Just smile politely in return and look away.

I frowned at him and shoved a spoonful of porridge into my mouth. Howl blinked in confusion but soon got distracted by Sophie. I pinched the bridge of my nose and sighed in frustration at myself.

"Glad your home." Sophie said.

"Master Howl, we can keep this dog, can't we?" Markl asked excitedly.

"The Witch of the Waste and Suliman's dog at my table?" Howl raised and eyebrow at the sight before grinning at Calcifer. "What possessed you to let them in my house, Calcifer?"

"I didn't let them in." Calcifer, "Sophie crashed landed her plane into my face!"

Sophie huffed at him while Howl burst out into laughter. "I knew she'd make a great pilot." He moved to the hole where Turnip Head was standing. "Seems like we have another addition to the family." He studied the scarecrow for a moment, "You've got a nasty spell on you to, huh? It seems like everyone in this family's got problems."

"What a handsome man." The Witch commented.

"So, we've got a lot of work to do. We're moving." The wizard announced.

"Moving?" Sophie repeated, the only one that was confused.

"That's good. I'm sick of being stuck in the middle of nowhere." Markl agreed.

"Madame Suliman is hot on our trail, so we're gonna have to hurry." He explained and turned to Turnip Head. "I'm afraid your spell is too strong for the move. You're going to have to stay behind."

At the sound of Heen's wheeze, I turned to see his plate clean and his fur dripping with porridge. I look to see my plate was clean of porridge and went to get Heen. I carried him to the sink to clean the fur of his mouth as Markl followed Howl to get a paint cart.

"Heen, calm down." I said as the dog struggled. I grabbed a towel and dried his fur. As soon as I was done he hopped out of my arms and scurried to the Witch as Sophie wiped her face.

"Soph, why don't you have a rest? I'll clean the plates." I offered as I gently took the plates from her. Sophie smiled and sat next to the Witch.

"Rose!" I heard Markl call, "Master Howl needs your help."

I sighed in frustration, which Sophie noticed. "Rose, why don't you go ahead? I'll clean up." Sophie offered.

"It's fine, Sophie. Just sit down." I said. Sophie would've argued but the tone in my voice made her stay still.

"Markl, I'm a bit busy at the moment." I called out. I turned the tap water on and started to wash the plates. I heard Howl and Markl come down but I didn't turn to acknowledge them. Markl excitedly chat with Howl as the wizard was probably holding the paint cart. I focused on the plates at hand and vigorously washed them as they walked out with Heen following them. After a while, I was finally done with the plates and turned the tap off.

I sat on the sofa, lost in my own thoughts while Sophie watched Howl, Markl and Heen through the window. I felt the house shudder slightly as Calcifer moved the castle to Howl's instruction.

The three soon came back in and Howl told us to sit on the table. I sat next to Sophie as we all watched him draw a symbol on the floorboard with a chalk. "There, that should do it." Howl said, "Sit tight for a second."

He walked over to the hearth and took a metal shovel to scoop Calcifer with it.

"Be gentle with me, please." Calcifer reminded. Howl walked into the symbol.

"On my mark." He instructed. The wind in the room started to move. Howl raised his arm, a focused look on his face. Calcifer howled and I jumped in surprise when he turned into huge blue flame.

The symbol glowed a bright pink as sparkles appeared in the room. Howl floated slightly and so did the table I was on as the room started to grow bigger. The hole on the wall fixed itself. The wallpaper changed and the floorboards were polished. A bathroom was created and more new furniture replaced the old.

Once it was down, the magic soon disappeared and I looked around to see the room had an elegant theme. There was a new door next to the stairs leading to what I remembered to be Sophie's room. The kitchen was upgraded into something even better. I sighed at how familiar the house was. It was Sophie's and my home.

"Moving's done." Howl stated while Calcifer slumped on the shovel looking tired. "You can get down now."

He puts Calcifer back onto the hearth.

Heen and Markl quickly jumped off the table and ran around. "This is great, Master Howl. This is huge." Markl exclaimed.

I couldn't help but smile at how giddy he was. I quietly sighed when I noticed Howl was walking towards me. Great…

"Madam?" He offered a hand to me with a charming smile.

I shook my head slightly. "I can get down myself." I waved off as I stood. Howl's smile was replaced with a frown. I bit the inside of my cheek as I walked past him to the window near the door. I let out a laugh as I couldn't help but remember how the courtyard still looked the same. I glanced back to see Howl walking towards Sophie who was standing at another window. I smiled slightly as I watch their scene unfold.

I went to the door and walked out. I grinned slightly as I remembered the memories.

It was a year since Sophie took me in. I was still awkward at the whole situation but had given up the thought that this was all a dream. As I remembered, fanfictions about this situations always make the characters go home after the plot ended. Sadly for me, I have to wait who knows how long. As I walked around in the courtyard, I looked through the shop's window, to see the workers. The girls were really kind to me. Though sometimes they would give me strange looks for doing stuff that would be considered unacceptable for women in this era.

"Rose." I turned to smile at Sophie.

"Why aren't you inside?" Sophie asked, "Are the girls bullying you again?"

The girls never bullied me but their questions about me do accidentally take an offensive side. "Not at all!" I answered. "I'm just used to going outside instead of being cramped in the house. And if I'm outside, I won't be in the way of you all."

Which were through, for the time I lived here, when it's time to work, the girls would run around grabbing feathers or beads for the hats they were making. I can't count how many times I ended up bumping into someone.

"Well, you could always help us, if you want." Sophie offered.

I made a grimace. "No thanks, you already know how the hats would turn out."

Sophie giggled slightly as she remembered the first time I made a hat.

I looked around to see how big the courtyard is. "Soph, watch this." I said as I went into a cartwheel.

I turned to see Sophie's eyes wide before she smiled. "That was amazing!" She commented. I grinned at the compliment before I did another cartwheel.

Before long the girls inside saw my tricks and ran out. "Do it again!" one of them said.

I did a handspring to which they cheered and followed it with a round-off.

"Rose, you're so funny." Another said as she happily laughed.

I soon ended my gymnastics with a handstand. The girls laughed as my dress revealed my underpants.

"Rose is so silly."

I grinned at their words before I heard, "Rose!"

I quickly stood straight when I saw Ms. Hatter marching towards me. "What are you doing?" She demanded.

Sophie quickly shooed the girls inside as Mrs. Hatter scolded me about what a behavior of a woman should be. Yet a small smile stayed on my face as I thought of how Ms. Hatter reminds me of my own mother.

I jumped in surprise when I heard the door open.

"Alright, a courtyard!" I heard Markl exclaim as he and Heen ran past me.

"That shop's ours too." Howl stated as I reminisced my memories.

"Heen, come on." Markl called. The old dog chased Markl as if he was still an energetic puppy.

I turned to look at the window to see The Witch looking out. I gave a small smile and wave a little. The witch returned the smile. I glanced to see a serious look on Howl's face as he studied me. I saw Sophie's figure walking to the door. Howl turned to smile at her. "See that new color on the dial." He said to her before closing the door shut.

I grinned when I realized he was showing her the secret garden. I closed my eyes shut as I wished hard for it to happen. Sophie, please love Howl and take care of him.

A/N: That's the end. Rose is really failing not to be obvious. And we see the twins again. Now there's a reason why I just randomly slotted them into the chapter 5. The appearance of our villain (Isaac) is finally here. We learned a lot about Akari, Agatha, Clara and the baby. Remember to review, follow, favorite this story but it's fine if you don't. See you next time!